You might not spend much time contemplating the intricacies of shrink wrap, and that’s perfectly understandable. However, this seemingly ordinary material holds numerous intriguing stories. One noteworthy aspect is that shrink wrap is not a single product but rather a category encompassing various products. Crafted from diverse materials, these wraps serve to package and safeguard a wide array of products, likely encountered by the general public on a daily basis, often without awareness.
The composition of shrink wrap depends on its specific type. While the unifying feature is its ability to shrink, strengthen, and conform to the product’s shape when heat is applied, variations exist in the materials used for different types. Centrefold shrink wrap, commonly made from PVC and Polyolefin, serves as an example. Shrink tubing, on the other hand, is typically crafted from PVC or Polyethylene. Industrial shrink wrap, designed for substantial thickness and wrapping large items, is often made from Polypropylene.
Shrink wrap, known for glossy PVC films encasing bottles, extends its utility to a broad spectrum of products. Beyond the familiar PVC films packaging bottles, shrink wrap takes the form of shrink banding, safeguarding the safety seals on items like medicines and toiletries. Polypropylene shrink films find application in shielding grocery items such as lettuce and broccoli, while shrink sleeves adorn bottles of condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise. Industrial contexts witness the use of shrink wraps for safeguarding boats during harsh winters or employing shrink tape for connecting and insulating electrical wires.
Among the diverse applications of shrink wrap, let’s delve into three specific uses:
- Shrink Sleeves
A stroll through your local supermarket reveals the ubiquitous presence of shrink sleeves, particularly popular in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) realm. Typically composed of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG), these sleeves often feature a lower maximum shrink rate to preserve the integrity of sleeve printing. The printing process itself has seen innovation with the introduction of the Domino N630i, an inkjet press that can proficiently print onto shrink sleeves. This technology brings the advantages of digital printing, including swift job transitions, minimal substrate waste, and variable data printing, providing clarity, high contrast, and speed in shrink sleeve printing within an efficient package.
- Shrink Wrapping of Secondary Packaging
In the realm of promoting your products to retailers, the role of secondary packaging is crucial. Simplifying the handling and display of products for retailers enhances their ability to position, promote, and sell items, capturing the attention of consumers in the retail aisles. Shrink wrap proves invaluable for securing multi-batch items, and Domino provides a range of technologies facilitating printing on these films. The M-Series streamlines the application of labels featuring high-resolution, variable data codes that adhere to GS1 standards—critical for guiding packaging and valuable products through the supply chain.
The M-Series boasts distinctive features that grant comprehensive label control. Tool-free print head changeovers and rapid ribbon changes minimize downtime to the utmost extent. With various applicator options, including tamp, blow, tamp/blow, wipe/reverse wipe, and dual tamp, the M-Series ensures precise label application.
- Pallet Shrink Wraps
Crafted from 3-6mm polyethylene, shrunk using a propane heat gun, pallet shrink wraps retain their popularity as an effective means of stabilising and safeguarding pallet loads. The Domino M230i range guarantees automated labelling for all pallets, adhering to GS1 standards. Configuration options allow for the labelling of each pallet with multiple labels on up to three sides, with the capability to detect partial pallets. In such cases, the system notifies an operator, enabling the safe manual application of a label to the pallet before resuming standard automated operation.
What Does the Future Hold for Shrink Wrap Packaging?
From a logistical standpoint, the utilization of shrink wrap comes with numerous evident advantages. It serves as a cost-effective means to stabilize multi-packaged items, shielding them from debris and moisture during transportation. Moreover, it offers a layer of defense against unwanted tampering, contributing to the safety preservation of various products, including food, medications, and toiletries. Additionally, shrink wrap can enhance packaging design and labelling for compliance adherence and increased consumer engagement. However, contemplating the future of shrink wrap packaging raises crucial questions in the wake of the burgeoning anti-plastic movement.
Amid concerns about plastic use, it’s imperative to recognize that not all plastics are equal. The predominant materials in shrink wraps, such as low-density polyethylene film, consist of inert components. Its production doesn’t release pollutants, and it stands as a material that is 100% recyclable at a notably low cost. In fact, when considering both manufacturing and recycling, the energy consumption and environmental impact of shrink wrap are lower than that of cardboard.
Given its cost-effective benefits concerning logistics, transportation, and safeguarding product integrity, it is evident that shrink wrap will continue to enjoy popularity among manufacturers.
